| Inside the power plant
Each fuel cell is a self-contained unit 14 x 15 x 45 inches, weighing 270 pounds. They are installed under the payload bay, just aft of the crew compartment. Hydrogen and oxygen from cryogenic tanks fuel the power plants. Each fuel cell is capable of providing 12 kW continuously, and up to 16 kW for short periods.
Each power plant contains 96 individual cells of the alkaline (KOH) electrolyte technology, which are connected to achieve a 28-volt output. The cells are over 70% efficient (a typical combustion engine is about only 25% efficient); this high efficiency and lightweight led NASA to select fuel cells to power the Space Shuttle Orbiter.
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This Is UTC Power